There's no better place for chocolate lovers in the U.S. than Hersheypark, Pennsylvania. This theme park and chocolate factory is a haven for those who love their sweets and it's practically the closest one will get to Willy Wonka's factory in real life. While the magic is very real all year round, it's especially abundant once winter comes and brings with it the holiday cheer we all look forward to.
Hersheypark is transformed during the holidays, featuring themed surprises that will delight even those without a sweet tooth. The park has some seriously fun events planned for 2021, and chocolate lovers will be rejoicing over all there is to experience this season.
Hersheypark Plans For The 2021 Holidays
For this year's Christmas in Hershey event, the park has created Hersheypark Christmas Candylane which is sure to be a hit with adults and children alike. Visitors can expect all of the traditional Hersheypark adventures such as access to their favorite theme park rides and tours, as well as some unique holiday additions. These include:
- Visits with Santa for younger kids
- Greetings from iconic Hersheypark characters in full holiday mode
- Festive decorations and holiday events throughout the end of the year
This year also happens to mark the 25th anniversary of Santa and his reindeer making their annual holiday visit to Hersheypark, so that's something fans definitely won't want to miss out on. That's not all this park has planned for the 2021 holiday season, though...
Hersheypark Light Extravaganza
Fans of holiday lights will be thrilled to know that Hersheypark will be decked out in all manner of lighting decor. Visitors will be treated to the annual NOEL Christmas Light Show, which features over 250,000 lights that twinkle in accordance with festive music. After that, guests are encouraged to stop by the famous Kissmas Tree which, of course, has been appropriately named after everyone's favorite chocolate candy. In addition to this, the Kisses Fountain will also be outfitted with Christmas decor.
Santa & Friends
This year, guests to Hersheypark will have the added surprise of not only seeing Santa but meeting his reindeer as well - including Rudolph! They can be found at Santa's Reindeer Stables, with visit times opening on November 19th. Those interested should get there fast, though, as Santa returns to the North Pole just before Christmas on December 24th.
An Extra Sweet Christmas Tree
Guests also have the chance to see Hersheypark's beloved TREEville on the Boardwalk and this year, it has a sweet surprise. Decorated with more than a dozen festive trees, each one will contain a piece of the story of The Sweetest Place on Earth. This event begins on December 3rd.
Hersheypark Holiday Food & Sweets
Similar to how many theme parks incorporate holiday favorites into their food menus for the season, Hersheypark has some unique offerings of its own. Obviously, chocolate will be a mainstay staple of each new treat but it's not the only thing that guests will have the chance to try during their visit. The park is also adding new savory items which reflect holidays such as Thanksgiving, so it's worth a visit to its food shops.
Specialty Hot Chocolates
- Simply Hot Chocolate: chocolate whipped cream, hot fudge, white and chocolate chips, topped with a double chocolate cookie bar
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: whipped cream, hot fudge, crushed peppermint, candy cane KISSES, and topped with a sugar cookie bar
- Reeses Hot Chocolate: peanut butter hot chocolate with chocolate whipped cream, peanut butter sauce, Reeses Pieces, topped with a peanut butter cookie bar
- Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate: marshmallow whipped cream, hot fudge, mini marshmallows, a chocolate-dipped marshmallow, and topped with a graham cookie bar
King Size Shakes
- Pumpking King Size Milkshake (until November 25th)
- Frozen Hot Chocolate King Size Milkshake (starting November 26th)
- Toasted Marshmallow King Size Milkshake (starting November 26th)
King Size Donut & Mini Donuts
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut
- Peppermint Bark (mini) Donut
- Holiday Sugar Cookie (mini) Donut
1906 Brews
- Hard Apple Cider Sloshie
- Seasonal Peppermint Coffee Sloshie
Starbucks (Seasonal Offerings)
- Snowman Cookie, Reindeer Cake Pop, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Sugar Plum Danish, Gingerbread Biscotti, Salted Peppermint Bark
- Classic holiday flavors: Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Irish Cream Cold Brew, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
Overlook Food Court
- Turkey Dinner Sandwich
- Stuffing Muffins
Smokehouse Express
- BBQ Smokehouse Chips
- Smokehouse Nachos
Fahrenheit S'Mores Cart
- A choice of either two graham crackers or two chocolate chip cookies sandwiched together with a Hershey's Bar, Reeses Cups, or a KitKat bar.
Additionally, Hersheypark will be releasing its holiday-themed merchandise later in the season. This includes souvenir mugs, beverage cups, and more.